Working at Militech was about as painful as being kicked in the balls and giving birth. Combined.

The benefits and pay were good. Which was about the only thing about the job that was good. Coworkers were alright, mostly keeping to themselves. But it was your boss that was the trouble. Meredith Stout, about the most uptight and strict woman you’d ever met. And after learning how she handled Anthony Gilchrist, getting into her bad graces was definitely not on your agenda. That was…

Until you woke up, and saw the clock was 8:24 A.M., with your shift starting at 8:45. Hurrying up to get ready and bolting down the door, it was practically a life or death situation. But unfortunately, due to traffic, you got there at 9:15.

To find Meredith, sitting on you desk smoking a cigarette, a scowl on her face.

Meredith: “You’re late.”

Her tone was sharp, and to the point.